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Wicked Games
The game is changing.
Foe Dub, an infamous gang in South Kenton, is ending their drug operation. But Kareem “K9” Durrell isn’t worried. In fact, he’s relieved.
Now, he can focus on what really matters; his daughter, his mother, and the passion project born out of seeing so many men and women in his community become institutionalized to become repeat offenders because of a lack of support system and resources.
The future looks bright for Reem. The day he can tell his mother he’s out the game is a day he looks forward to. The day he can overturn his uncle’s wrongful conviction seems to be on the horizon as well. Maybe after that, he can settle down with a nice, wholesome, peaceful girl who loves his daughter like her own. Be a family. Be normal.
He doesn’t know his future is already decided for him. He doesn’t know someone’s plotting on him, someone who’s the opposite of everything he wants, but may just be everything he needs.
The games are changing all right. But they’re far from over. True Love is coming, whether he likes it or not.
Foe Dub, an infamous gang in South Kenton, is ending their drug operation. But Kareem “K9” Durrell isn’t worried. In fact, he’s relieved.
Now, he can focus on what really matters; his daughter, his mother, and the passion project born out of seeing so many men and women in his community become institutionalized to become repeat offenders because of a lack of support system and resources.
The future looks bright for Reem. The day he can tell his mother he’s out the game is a day he looks forward to. The day he can overturn his uncle’s wrongful conviction seems to be on the horizon as well. Maybe after that, he can settle down with a nice, wholesome, peaceful girl who loves his daughter like her own. Be a family. Be normal.
He doesn’t know his future is already decided for him. He doesn’t know someone’s plotting on him, someone who’s the opposite of everything he wants, but may just be everything he needs.
The games are changing all right. But they’re far from over. True Love is coming, whether he likes it or not.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2025
49 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Jessica A.
10 books37 followersJessica is an LA girl that has been writing fiction and poetry since middle school. She holds a BA in English from Xavier University in Louisiana, and an MFA in Fiction from San Diego State University. She's a dog mommy to the infamous Dijon Mustard, and in addition to writing all the stories that play out in her head, she enjoys yapping on facetime with her homegirls and long walks on the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 28, 2025
Listen!!!!! YT & Reem!!!!!! Omg I’m so overwhelmed with happy emotions I can’t even give you a real review lol! Just go read the damn book I love them so bad!! YT IS BATSHIT CRWZY!!! And I love her for it 😜. My sweet calm precious Reem is a true crash out & Nasty 😝😝😆❤️. This was literally the perfect couple lol idc what nobody say lol
October 7, 2025
This book?! YT was crazy as hell, but we already knew that from the previous books. Honestly, “crazy” might even be an understatement 😂 Her and her brothers are a different breed but her story unfolded beautifully. The amount of trauma she endured from her ex and the lack of emotional support from her mom shaped her into the morbid woman she became.
I knew she liked Kareem from their little “who gon’ kill who first” game except she was the only one really playing it while Reem was just trying to survive 😂 He’s always intrigued me since he popped up out of nowhere with a baby and no explanation. I love his and Ty-Ty’s friendship they balance each other perfectly.
Jess did her thing giving YT and Reem their own wild, twisted, but oddly perfect love story. It might’ve been unconventional, but it worked for them. And I loved how YT genuinely cared for Ms. Trina and Angel, she really wanted the best for Reem’s whole family. 💕
I knew she liked Kareem from their little “who gon’ kill who first” game except she was the only one really playing it while Reem was just trying to survive 😂 He’s always intrigued me since he popped up out of nowhere with a baby and no explanation. I love his and Ty-Ty’s friendship they balance each other perfectly.
Jess did her thing giving YT and Reem their own wild, twisted, but oddly perfect love story. It might’ve been unconventional, but it worked for them. And I loved how YT genuinely cared for Ms. Trina and Angel, she really wanted the best for Reem’s whole family. 💕
July 18, 2025
Okay, so I enjoyed this book. It was a great read. It just wasn't my favourite at all. I didn't really care for YT or Keem's toxic relationship lol This felt like a suicide squad, video game and horror movie all wrapped in one. The triplets really are psycho lol
There were some great moments like when Set and Keem went back to their school to encourage the kids not to join gangs. I liked that YT learnt sign language and could communicate with Keem's mum. There were also triggering moments... but there are warnings in the book.
I felt like the plot was all over the place and so it was hard to keep up. YT's operation to get Keem to fall for her should've been super clear from the start. I get that suspense keeps us engaged but in this case it left me confused. Especially with all the characters lol It got overwhelming for me and I kind of gave up lol
Tamera's switch of character wasn't believable for me lol and I wished we'd gotten more of Heaven. Her character was killed off way too soon. There are more things I could say but I don't want to ruin the book by giving spoilers.
I feel like there's tons of backstory missing and it's done intentionally so keep coming back lol I just hope the next few books wrap everything up and give us a sense of closure. No loose ends.
Other than that, I love that Jessica brings something refreshing to the world of fiction. I respect her creativity and open mind. This was an entertaining read for sure.
There were some great moments like when Set and Keem went back to their school to encourage the kids not to join gangs. I liked that YT learnt sign language and could communicate with Keem's mum. There were also triggering moments... but there are warnings in the book.
I felt like the plot was all over the place and so it was hard to keep up. YT's operation to get Keem to fall for her should've been super clear from the start. I get that suspense keeps us engaged but in this case it left me confused. Especially with all the characters lol It got overwhelming for me and I kind of gave up lol
Tamera's switch of character wasn't believable for me lol and I wished we'd gotten more of Heaven. Her character was killed off way too soon. There are more things I could say but I don't want to ruin the book by giving spoilers.
I feel like there's tons of backstory missing and it's done intentionally so keep coming back lol I just hope the next few books wrap everything up and give us a sense of closure. No loose ends.
Other than that, I love that Jessica brings something refreshing to the world of fiction. I respect her creativity and open mind. This was an entertaining read for sure.
September 19, 2025
True Love isn’t just a name, it’s a whole statement. She showed us that love really is a verb, and this story proved it in action with steps to a whole plan. Getting to know her story pulled me in deep. It was heartbreaking at times, but also inspiring as we peeled back the layers of her special brand of crazy to she is just a girl wanting to loved.
Reem took me a minute to warm up to, because he was playing my girl YT to the left for way too long. But once he got his head in the game, I forgave him. 😆 Watching him be a father to his Angel was so sweet, and learning how he became Foe Dub was honestly heartbreaking.
What I loved most is that his crazy flag flew high behind his Love and that made me root for them even harder. Y’all, this book was so good. Messy, raw, emotional, and unforgettable.
(5/5)
Reem took me a minute to warm up to, because he was playing my girl YT to the left for way too long. But once he got his head in the game, I forgave him. 😆 Watching him be a father to his Angel was so sweet, and learning how he became Foe Dub was honestly heartbreaking.
What I loved most is that his crazy flag flew high behind his Love and that made me root for them even harder. Y’all, this book was so good. Messy, raw, emotional, and unforgettable.
(5/5)
July 16, 2025
another one!
This series is just….everything! YT has never been my favorite character but this humanized her….some lol. She is crazy but there is a method to her madness, mostly. I just love how the author always effortlessly weaves in the characters’ background story with present day events. Reem and YT are definitely a perfect match. And I knew immediately ole girl was gonna be a problem. Wish we found out more about how she was able to pull so much off.
I will say Sometimes the story can start to feel confusing but just be patient because all is revealed in time —- even if its a future book lol. So just enjoy the ride. As always the banter, drama, humor, romance - all top tier! And the family tree at the beginning was super helpful cause its a lot of characters to remember. Great read - looking forward to the next one.
This series is just….everything! YT has never been my favorite character but this humanized her….some lol. She is crazy but there is a method to her madness, mostly. I just love how the author always effortlessly weaves in the characters’ background story with present day events. Reem and YT are definitely a perfect match. And I knew immediately ole girl was gonna be a problem. Wish we found out more about how she was able to pull so much off.
I will say Sometimes the story can start to feel confusing but just be patient because all is revealed in time —- even if its a future book lol. So just enjoy the ride. As always the banter, drama, humor, romance - all top tier! And the family tree at the beginning was super helpful cause its a lot of characters to remember. Great read - looking forward to the next one.
January 26, 2026
4.25⭐️
They were both unhinged and honestly, I loved every minute of it. After everything they endured in their pasts, it was so good seeing them finally able to confide in each other and watching her plan unfold exactly as intended. YT’s backstory really tugged at my emotions. I can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommend this series!
They were both unhinged and honestly, I loved every minute of it. After everything they endured in their pasts, it was so good seeing them finally able to confide in each other and watching her plan unfold exactly as intended. YT’s backstory really tugged at my emotions. I can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommend this series!
April 14, 2026
here's my short and sweet review version:
I loved this book!
The MMC and FMC's love story was so unique to their personalities and I loved that the author stayed authentic to that!
This is not your typical "flowers and candy" love story but I'd definitely recommend for anyone who "loves Love".
Check your trigger warnings (the author does an amazing job highlighting them)
NOW...
Here's for my readers who love to be dramatic and get all the feels (no spoilers):
There is no way I could possibly write a "unique" review for this book like this author keeps writing these awesome and unique storylines- but I will try!
First, let me restate the following:
This author's style: anti-reader expectations, calculated high risks storylines, and intricately layered characters.
Each time I feel like she may have "over-reached" OR "gambled" too much- I'm left pleasantly surprised that her talent surpassed my expectations. Respectfully!
This book proved that HEAVY for me...
I didn't think I would like it a first.
I loved YT as a side character but I wasn't really sure if I wanted to see her carry the storyline for this book.
After the author's note, I knew that this book would likely become my favorite out the series (narrowly)...
YT was so relatable to me as a female looking for love that it almost made it hard to read.
Not because of the writing being bad or unrealistic BUT the exact opposite.
It felt like someone had read my journal and thoughts- I felt seen.
Granted, I'm not a morally black character but I am "anti-girlie" when it comes to love and relationships.
Flowers and candy are cool but that's not my love language.
My love language: to know me, understand me, and love me for me.
We saw that played out so beautifully in this book.
One of my favorite things about this story is that even when our FMC experiences love, the essence of who she is remains the same!
She didn't change, soften, or shrink.
To me, that's amazing talent to write character development in such a way that we see growth within who they are versus a metamorphosis of what the audience believes they should be...
Highly recommended read... Both the book and the series!
I loved this book!
The MMC and FMC's love story was so unique to their personalities and I loved that the author stayed authentic to that!
This is not your typical "flowers and candy" love story but I'd definitely recommend for anyone who "loves Love".
Check your trigger warnings (the author does an amazing job highlighting them)
NOW...
Here's for my readers who love to be dramatic and get all the feels (no spoilers):
There is no way I could possibly write a "unique" review for this book like this author keeps writing these awesome and unique storylines- but I will try!
First, let me restate the following:
This author's style: anti-reader expectations, calculated high risks storylines, and intricately layered characters.
Each time I feel like she may have "over-reached" OR "gambled" too much- I'm left pleasantly surprised that her talent surpassed my expectations. Respectfully!
This book proved that HEAVY for me...
I didn't think I would like it a first.
I loved YT as a side character but I wasn't really sure if I wanted to see her carry the storyline for this book.
After the author's note, I knew that this book would likely become my favorite out the series (narrowly)...
YT was so relatable to me as a female looking for love that it almost made it hard to read.
Not because of the writing being bad or unrealistic BUT the exact opposite.
It felt like someone had read my journal and thoughts- I felt seen.
Granted, I'm not a morally black character but I am "anti-girlie" when it comes to love and relationships.
Flowers and candy are cool but that's not my love language.
My love language: to know me, understand me, and love me for me.
We saw that played out so beautifully in this book.
One of my favorite things about this story is that even when our FMC experiences love, the essence of who she is remains the same!
She didn't change, soften, or shrink.
To me, that's amazing talent to write character development in such a way that we see growth within who they are versus a metamorphosis of what the audience believes they should be...
Highly recommended read... Both the book and the series!
November 11, 2025
10/10 — This author is truly underrated.
Her stories are written so well, and everything always comes full circle. Even when a previous book leaves you hanging, the missing pieces are revealed later through that character’s book. It’s one of the things I love most about her writing, everything connects. These books tell the story of family, extended family, and friends bonded through trauma. Each book dives deep into a different person’s pain and healing, showing how they overcome it in their own way. And somehow, each book gets better than the last. YT and Reem were so entertaining! YT (True) was determined to make Reem fall for her and she did it without changing a thing about herself. She didn’t have to tone down her chaos or soften her edge. He fell for her exactly as she was…wild, bold, and full of personality. With True, everything isn’t what it seems. There were times that you may think she’s up to no good regarding Reem. But she was crazy about him, so she wasn’t trying to make him hate her. The way she had a whole “operation” planned to win her man had me cracking up. And Reem finally gave in and realized she was it for him. I love how he learned to just let her have her way, it was adorable.
Tamera…I knew she was up to no good and behind everything. Once the connection hit with who helped Heaven and who was in charge. Also when Reem caught on that Tamera wasn’t actually doing anything about his uncle. Just using his uncle case to stay close to him. My thoughts about her started getting iffy.
Hopefully we’ll get updates later on all the couples settling into family life. I’d love to see True as a mommy 🥰
Looking forward to whatever’s next, Jessica — hint hint! 🥳
Her stories are written so well, and everything always comes full circle. Even when a previous book leaves you hanging, the missing pieces are revealed later through that character’s book. It’s one of the things I love most about her writing, everything connects. These books tell the story of family, extended family, and friends bonded through trauma. Each book dives deep into a different person’s pain and healing, showing how they overcome it in their own way. And somehow, each book gets better than the last. YT and Reem were so entertaining! YT (True) was determined to make Reem fall for her and she did it without changing a thing about herself. She didn’t have to tone down her chaos or soften her edge. He fell for her exactly as she was…wild, bold, and full of personality. With True, everything isn’t what it seems. There were times that you may think she’s up to no good regarding Reem. But she was crazy about him, so she wasn’t trying to make him hate her. The way she had a whole “operation” planned to win her man had me cracking up. And Reem finally gave in and realized she was it for him. I love how he learned to just let her have her way, it was adorable.
Tamera…I knew she was up to no good and behind everything. Once the connection hit with who helped Heaven and who was in charge. Also when Reem caught on that Tamera wasn’t actually doing anything about his uncle. Just using his uncle case to stay close to him. My thoughts about her started getting iffy.
Hopefully we’ll get updates later on all the couples settling into family life. I’d love to see True as a mommy 🥰
Looking forward to whatever’s next, Jessica — hint hint! 🥳
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertaining.
I was entertained.
And it was draining, but perhaps that is because I’ve been locked in with this series consistently and its overall heavy stuff.
Reading this story confirmed I’m not a fan of obsessed FMC. Listen I want them to be into their man, but I prefer my men MORE obsessed. Also, Kareem didn’t really become overtly obsessed until more than 50% into the book.
By that time Love’s psychotic behind just seemed too pressed and he was mostly entertained. So I didn’t like that.
Also- most of the books in this series have unaddressed plots or small holes in the story. This one in particular seem to have details that didn’t move the story forward. For example, we learned all of the trauma surrounding Reem’s paternity and yet it’s never officially told to him. And still he somehow wishes his pops was looking down on him. When did his perspective on X change?
Lastly, the groundwork being laid for Rico and Wynter has me salivating for their story.
Entertaining.
I was entertained.
And it was draining, but perhaps that is because I’ve been locked in with this series consistently and its overall heavy stuff.
Reading this story confirmed I’m not a fan of obsessed FMC. Listen I want them to be into their man, but I prefer my men MORE obsessed. Also, Kareem didn’t really become overtly obsessed until more than 50% into the book.
By that time Love’s psychotic behind just seemed too pressed and he was mostly entertained. So I didn’t like that.
Also- most of the books in this series have unaddressed plots or small holes in the story. This one in particular seem to have details that didn’t move the story forward. For example, we learned all of the trauma surrounding Reem’s paternity and yet it’s never officially told to him. And still he somehow wishes his pops was looking down on him. When did his perspective on X change?
Lastly, the groundwork being laid for Rico and Wynter has me salivating for their story.
March 17, 2026
2.75 stars. I LOVE this series and Jessica’s writing. She is one of my top authors. But it seems like she was trying to diversify her writing by dipping her toe in dark romance. I wasn’t a fan. And I actually like dark romance. Some parts were confusing and not cohesive. And I feel like we didn’t really learn a lot about Reem like we did with other characters. It took me a week to finish this book. It did have funny/nice parts. But this is my least favorite book in the series. But if you’re reading this, don’t be deterred by Jessica’s writing. She’s amazing and I’ll always ready a book from her. Period.
July 14, 2025
loved this so much!
This book was AMAZING!!! There was drama, there was action, and a bunch of LOVE… I love the interactions between Reem and YT. It definitely gave Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes - the OG movie… I loved seeing YT grow and heal and just her overall character development. She is definitely my second fave favorite female character of this South Kenton series. I would highly recommend reading this book and also the rest of the South Kenton series for the full reading experience. I can’t say enough good things about this book.
This book was AMAZING!!! There was drama, there was action, and a bunch of LOVE… I love the interactions between Reem and YT. It definitely gave Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes - the OG movie… I loved seeing YT grow and heal and just her overall character development. She is definitely my second fave favorite female character of this South Kenton series. I would highly recommend reading this book and also the rest of the South Kenton series for the full reading experience. I can’t say enough good things about this book.
July 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. YT was a lot more likable in this book than previous ones. It was also nice to get the backstories of Reem and YT. This series does get confusing with the number of characters involved and how they’re related to each other. I wish there was more of Reem and YT together, you could tell that they really loved each other but you didn’t get a lot of scenes of them alone or getting to know each other you’re just told that this was happening. Overall, I liked the drama and action and the relationship between YT, Reem and their families.
January 12, 2026
This book!
Wow so much came out in this book. YT has a lot of baggage to unpack, Reem was skeptical but deep down knew he loved her as she loves him. Finding out about her sister! That sneaky Tamera was a whole mess, not sure how Roe plays to deal with her. Most of them need deep therapy frfr! Therebis still so much to unpack, so diving into the next book in the series. Really enjoying it Jessica A!
Wow so much came out in this book. YT has a lot of baggage to unpack, Reem was skeptical but deep down knew he loved her as she loves him. Finding out about her sister! That sneaky Tamera was a whole mess, not sure how Roe plays to deal with her. Most of them need deep therapy frfr! Therebis still so much to unpack, so diving into the next book in the series. Really enjoying it Jessica A!
July 10, 2025
❤️
This is by far the best book in the series for me. I loved the back and forth between reem and yt. We get to see the softer side of her and her backstory which was sad. Loved what she did to get her man. Now I can’t wait for wynter and Rico story. I’m so glad I discovered this author every book has gotten better. Read the series guys you will not be disappointed!!
This is by far the best book in the series for me. I loved the back and forth between reem and yt. We get to see the softer side of her and her backstory which was sad. Loved what she did to get her man. Now I can’t wait for wynter and Rico story. I’m so glad I discovered this author every book has gotten better. Read the series guys you will not be disappointed!!
July 13, 2025
It's crack in Jessica's pen. This is a complex interconnected series told from multiple povs across the whole series. I feel like a hype waiting for the next person's perspective filling in more of the whole picture.
July 14, 2025
smh
These two did not disappoint! They kept me on my toes just like I expected them to. But Tamera that one there was a psychopath for real! Like ma’am! Every time I thought I had a handle on what was going on I was bamboozled all over again
These two did not disappoint! They kept me on my toes just like I expected them to. But Tamera that one there was a psychopath for real! Like ma’am! Every time I thought I had a handle on what was going on I was bamboozled all over again
February 3, 2026
Everybody needs love too, even the insane ones. However, before you judge someone, know their past and their why. See ‘YT’. True love was dealt with a bad hand, and Reem also had his trauma. When you see these two in a room together, take cover because they’re truly wicked but meant for each other.
March 13, 2026
I don’t really write reviews but I have to give my praises to this book . I absolutely loved it character development for YT was incredible. I definitely was thought she was crazy from the previous books. She definitely crazy but she had great intentions. I would definitely recommend this book to others and I can’t wait to read the rest of this authors catalog!
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July 15, 2025I don’t know how to feel. there was a lot going on here.
August 6, 2025
Ouuuweee, Talk About GOOD?!
Jessica ain’t nothing I ain’t love yet! This by far is my favorite in this series. Don’t get me wrong, Shaddy is still bae, but I love this book down!! If you want a good read from start to finish, I highly recommend giving this a try. 12/10.
Jessica ain’t nothing I ain’t love yet! This by far is my favorite in this series. Don’t get me wrong, Shaddy is still bae, but I love this book down!! If you want a good read from start to finish, I highly recommend giving this a try. 12/10.
August 9, 2025
whew
What a ride. yt and reem were hilarious. I ain’t never met met a more thorough stalker. Reem was defenseless and I loved it.
What a ride. yt and reem were hilarious. I ain’t never met met a more thorough stalker. Reem was defenseless and I loved it.
April 22, 2026
Wicked
The more I get into this crew the more i love them all! YT was really crazy like bonifide but her story was heartbreaking. I love Reemie for her!
The more I get into this crew the more i love them all! YT was really crazy like bonifide but her story was heartbreaking. I love Reemie for her!
December 16, 2025
I loved the games between these two leads. The chemistry was definitely there, just like in the previous books. Their dynamic was fun to watch and kept me engaged throughout the story. It was also great to have the group back together, along with some new characters to round everything out. Overall, while I liked this one, it didn’t hit quite as hard for me as some of the other books in the series. Still, it was an enjoyable read, and I was glad to see everything work out in the end.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews